In October we paid cash for a new (to us) minivan. Here are some thoughts, about the minivan, six months later –
Value – I think that we got a great deal. By going with a used van, our total costs were about 60% less than they would have been, had we gone with a new van.
Ride – Our minivan is a Chrysler – and it has a quiet, comfortable ride. In fact, when you sit in the front seat and crank it up, it’s hard to tell if the engine is running, it’s that quiet. The front seats have plenty of legroom, but the back two sets of seats are a little cramped. We own the ‘base’ model – and it’s short for a minivan. But, our kids are small and there is more than enough room for them and their friends. In fact, due to the fact that it’s smaller than our old van, our daughter, who sits on the very back bench seat, can look over and check on the new baby.
Features – The van came equipped with satellite radio and the middle seats have built-in child restraints. Other than that, the van has pretty basic features. With three kids and ball practice, the cloth seats work just fine. We wish that the van had power-doors, but when trying to save money, there are times when we must with the fact that we can’t have everything that we want. I would love to have a factory-installed navigation system, but, for now, we just use our inexpensive, portable GPS. – So far, the van hasn’t given us any problems. The tires were new when the van arrived and windshield wipers are in good shape. The oil has been changed twice and it has a new air filter. From time to time, there is a ‘squeaking noise’ that comes from the inside of the the right-rear door. When we take the van in for it’s 60,000 mile tuneup, I’ll ask our mechanic to take a look at the door. Other than that, everything about the van is great.
I must say, we have really enjoyed our new (to us) minivan. I was hesitant about purchasing an automobile sight-unseen, but everything has worked out, really well. My wife loves the van and she even lets me drive it, from time to time.
Side note – For those of you who might be interested, baby number three hasn’t been born yet. My wife is resting in the other room, as I type this, so I’m trying to be very, very quiet. In fact, just to be on the safe side, I’d better go outside and vacuum out the van, just in case ‘today is the day’! New babies rock!
Love our Chrysler mini van! My 6’3″ son can sit in the middle with no problems and we have always had enough room to pack it with our 3 boys (16, 14 and 12) and enough stuff for a weeks vacation or a weeks camping trip.
I just wish I had been as smart as you and paid cash for mine. We are still paying it off, but aiming to have it paid off by the end of this year.
Such a great idea paying with cash. Our current car was the first one we have bought with cash and it is so great not having that financial burden.
Love your blog. We have never owned a new car – have always bought used (we are a 51 and 52 year old married couple). We are halfway to having enough cash to pay for a “new” vehicle by the end of the year and I can’t wait! We will most likely buy used, of course, but it will be nicer than anything we have ever owned. We drive a Dodge Grand Caravan bought used four years ago. It is the newest vehicle we have ever owned so far. We raised four kids who are now productive members of society and we are so thankful for them! None of them own new cars either! Best wishes for you and your wife and kids. I agree that BABIES ROCK!!
Honestly, you’ve got some (something) of steel buying without inspecting it yourself… Im glad it worked out for ya though 🙂
Glad the van has worked out nicely for you guys. And congrats on the soon-to-be addition to your family!